Hamlet, derived from Old Norse 'Hameltr,' meaning 'home ruler' or 'dweller on the heath,' is a name of Norse origin. It was brought to England by Scandinavian settlers and gained prominence through Shakespeare's tragedy, "Hamlet," first published in 1603. The play follows the story of Prince Hamlet of Denmark as he seeks revenge for his father's murder. Prior to Shakespeare's work, the name was relatively uncommon in England but has since become widely recognized due to its literary association. Today, Hamlet is considered a classical and somewhat distinctive name choice, favored by parents seeking a unique yet timeless option for their child.
"Hamlet has seen a surge in popularity as a baby name over the past century, with peaks in the early 2000s and again in recent years, reaching an all-time high of 11 births in 2019."